Thomas S.

Richards
Mayor

City Hall Room, 30 Church Street Rochester, New York 14614-1284 www.cityofrochester.gov

Rochester City Council

February 28, 2013

The Honorable Sheldon Silver Speaker, New York State Assembly Legislative Office Building Room 932 Albany, New York 12248 Dear Speaker Silver, On behalf of the residents of the City of Rochester, we write to express support for the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly, whose membership recently took the bold action in approving the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (NY SAFE) Act. It is our collective belief that Governor Cuomo and the Legislature have shown sound leadership in helping to enact the strongest measures to curb gun violence of any state. The new law includes the strongest assault weapons ban in the nation and we not only endorse this, we have acted upon it. Rochester has had an assault weapon ban on the books since1993. The NY SAFE Act also includes additional safeguards to prevent guns from falling into the hands of societys most dangerous individuals. While we support the right to bear arms, we feel that this law takes the necessary steps to ensure that gun ownership is done in a responsible manner. Such measures are long overdue in our State, and it is our hope that other states, as well as the federal government, will follow the example set by New York to ensure that these dangerous weapons are kept out of the hands of those capable of inflicting mass violence. On top of the ban on assault weapons, the NY SAFE Act contains several common-sense measures, such as new regulations to ensure all gun and ammunition purchasers are subject to a background check and providing for the safe storage of firearms. As residents of the City of Rochester and Monroe County who have, too often, seen those who protect us and keep us safe victimized by senseless gun violence, we applaud the Governor and Legislature for including the Webster Provision in this law, which mandates a life sentence for anyone who murders a first responder.

Phone: 585.428.7000

Fax: 585.428.6059

TTY: 585.428.6054

EEO/ADA Employer

Letter in support of NY SAFE Act / Page 2

New York has long been known for its leadership in progressive ideals. At certain times, doing what is necessary to protect our communities involves the degree of determination and resolve that we recently saw on display by lawmakers in Albany. The people of Rochester are safer today because the state legislature and Governor have taken a stand against gun violence.

Sincerely,

Thomas S. Richards Mayor

Lovely A. Warren President, City Council Northeast Representative

Dana K. Miller Vice President, City Council Member, At-Large

Carolee A. Conklin Member, At-Large

Matt Haag Member, At-Large

Adam C. McFadden South Representative

Jacklyn Ortiz Member, At-Large

Carla M. Palumbo Northwest Representative

Loretta C. Scott Member, At-Large

Elaine M. Spaull East Representative